Global Index of Economic Openness conference

The Legatum Institute was delighted to welcome renowned Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto to discuss the launch of the Institute's Global Index of Economic Openness programme.

The GIEO, described by de Soto as "a fascinating and very important study", is designed to enable governments to assess the economic impact of their policy choices in areas such as trade and commerce, finance, enterprise and property rights, as well as illustrating the vast potential for wealth creation from their improvement.

The GIEO will also seek to highlight the disproportionate impact that these policy choices have upon the world’s poorest people, communities and nations, and provide the international community with a unique tool to create pathways from poverty to prosperity for some of the world’s most disadvantaged people.

Our keynote speaker, Hernando de Soto, spent much of his career proving the importance of formal property rights underpinning economic growth and opportunity. His decades of pioneering work for presidents and in the streets on behalf of property rights for the poor have led to global acclaim and recognition. Time magazine chose de Soto as one of the five leading Latin American innovators of the 20th century; while Forbes magazine highlighted him as one of 15 innovators “who will re-invent your future.”

Hernando de Soto's Keynote Address

Speaking at the Legatum Institute's GIEO conference on October 16th 2018, renowned economist Hernando de Soto delivered the keynote address, where he talked about the importance of openness and trade.

GIEO Conference Panel: Trade and Commerce

Speaking at our Global Index of Economic Openness conference, Graeme Leach, the CEO of Macro Advisors delivered opening remarks on trade and openness. This was followed by a panel discussion led by Graeme alongside David Landsman, the CEO of Tata Limited and the Legatum Institute's Molly Kiniry.

GIEO Conference Panel: Enterprise

Speaking at our Global Index of Economic Openness conference, Oliver Pawle, the Chairman and CEO Services London of Korn Ferry delivered remarks on entrepreneurship in the U.K. This was followed by a panel discussion led by the Legatum Institute's James Sproule and featuring Pam Bateson, the CEO of Thrive Partners and the publisher Tim Dempsey.

GIEO Conference Panel: Government and Institutions

Speaking at our Global Index of Economic Openness conference, Gisela Stuart, the Chair of the Effective Government Programme here at the Legatum Institute delivered remarks on governance in the UK. This was followed by a panel discussion with the Legatum Institute's Director of Policy Dr Stephen Brien, Vicky Pryce, the Chief Economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) and Allie Renison, the Head of Europe and Trade Policy at the Institute of Directors (IOD).

GIEO Conference Panel: Finance and Investment

Speaking at our Global Index of Economic Openness conference, Dr Gerard Lyons delivered remarks on the role of financial services in the British economy. This was followed by a panel discussion with Rosie Bichard, a Senior Analyst at Lofoten Asset Management and The Telegraph journalist and broadcaster Liam Halligan.

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